Horses, riders perform intricate dance in Del Mar

DEL MAR -- Riders of all skill levels and their horses will
showcase the gentle yet controlled movements of dressage during an
annual competition, the "Dressage Affaire," that runs through
Sunday at the Del Mar Horsepark.

In its third year, the event highlights the equestrian sport
that requires horses to perform complex maneuvers in response to
the rider's barely perceptible movements.

The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday
and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Del Mar Horsepark, at
14550 El Camino Real in Del Mar.

While most of the competitions are open to the public at no
cost, it is $5 for people to attend the musical freestyle
performances that begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The annual event also features a champagne breakfast at 10 a.m.
on Sunday, which has limited space available and costs $60 a
person.

Throughout the weekend, competitors will vie for commemorative
plaques or ribbons as they subtly guide their horses to execute
graceful and controlled movements, including the rein-back, a
backward movement where the horse is supposed to step evenly with
front and hind legs; and the more advanced half-pass that requires
the horse to move at a slant or diagonally.

Show manager Kim Keenan, who has competed in dressage, described
the art form as similar to ice skating.

"The riders are dancing with their horses," she said, adding
that the best part is to "see the harmony between the horse and
rider."

She said competitors in the equestrian sport can spend a
lifetime perfecting their skills.

"It is a lifelong commitment, but it's that connection with the
animal that keeps them going," she said.

Keenan said the event, first held in 2004, is organized by the
California Dressage Society's San Diego chapter, to honor the hard
work of numerous riders and horses.

"Bringing the community together this way is our mission," she
said.

In addition, the event gives some riders the chance to qualify
for the Pan American Games and the United States Equestrian
Federation's national competition.

She said riders with various levels of skill will be trying out
for the equestrian federation's national competitions on Friday and
Saturday afternoons in the covered arena.

Polly Limond, who has competed in dressage but is a volunteer at
the event, said the "ancient art form" is a difficult equestrian
sport.

"It's an art form, because it is so intricate, detailed and
controlled," she said.

Limond, of El Cajon, said she has been drawn to the sport since
she was a young girl, because "it's exhilarating when you get it
right."